Bhatkal Tanzeem Seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Removal, Demands Probe Over SIR

Bhatkal, September 26: Bhatkal’s prominent social and community organisation, Majlis e Islah Wa Tanzeem, has urged the President of India to intervene in the functioning of the Election Commission of India, demanding the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a high level investigation into alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

In a detailed press statement issued on September 26, the organisation referred to an investigative report published by The Indian Express on September 23, which reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a period of 10 months regarding decisions and orders issued by the poll panel.

The Tanzeem has called for an investigation into the reported developments and demanded that criminal proceedings, including a case of treason as sought by the organisation, be initiated against the Chief Election Commissioner. These are demands made by the organisation and do not constitute findings of a court.

Demands Cancellation of SIR

The organisation raised serious objections to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise could undermine voters’ constitutional rights.

It demanded the immediate cancellation of the SIR process and the restoration of previously existing electoral rolls, which it considers valid and reliable.

The Tanzeem also expressed concern over reports of alleged attempts to remove Muslim voters’ names from electoral rolls in areas including Belagavi district and Bhalki in Bidar district. It called for strict legal action against anyone found responsible for the unlawful deletion of voters’ names.

Cites Reported Objections Within Election Commission

Referring to The Indian Express investigation, the organisation highlighted the reported objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over decisions concerning voter registration, deletion and restoration of names, appeals against orders restoring voters, and the management of electoral roll data.

According to the newspaper’s report, the two commissioners had objected to decisions they said were taken without their knowledge. The report also raised questions about changes to Form 6, used for new voter registration, and the centralisation of access to electoral database systems.

The Tanzeem questioned why such decisions were taken despite the reported objections from the two commissioners. It called for an independent and comprehensive inquiry to establish the facts and determine responsibility.

Seeks Presidential Intervention

The organisation urged the President to intervene and take steps towards the removal of Gyanesh Kumar from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. It also demanded that impeachment proceedings be initiated through Parliament if he did not resign.

The Tanzeem further called for the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners, arguing that the existing framework gives the Union government excessive influence over the appointment process and provides legal protection to those holding these positions.

It urged major Opposition parties to come together on a common platform and launch a joint movement seeking greater transparency, accountability and democratic safeguards in the functioning of the Election Commission.

The organisation said its demands were aimed at protecting voters’ rights and ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent, impartial and accountable.